A student of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, has died in a tragic incident that has left the campus in shock and anger. Ajana Isabella, a law student and resident of Elmada Hostel in Onitsha, reportedly passed away after she was denied urgent access to her insulin medication during a medical emergency.
According to accounts from fellow students, the problem began when Ajana and her roommates lost the key to their room where her insulin was kept. In desperation, they rushed to the hostel manager, identified as Madam Bright, to request the spare key. They say she refused to hand over the key unless they paid a sum of ₦120,000—₦40,000 from each roommate—as a penalty under what she claimed was hostel policy.
Despite explaining that Ajana was diabetic and in urgent need of her medication, the students say their plea for help was dismissed. As her condition deteriorated, Ajana was eventually taken to a nearby hospital where she was confirmed dead.
Her death has triggered widespread outrage among students, who described the situation as completely avoidable. One visibly distressed student said, “This isn’t just negligence, it’s cruelty. We begged her. All we needed was a key to get medicine.”
The university administration has acknowledged the incident and confirmed that a full investigation is underway. Meanwhile, the hostel manager, Madam Bright, is reportedly missing and has yet to respond to the allegations.
The case has sparked fresh calls for better regulation and oversight of off-campus hostels, as well as justice for Ajana’s untimely death.
